The Holly and the Ivy

The first appearance of the traditional carol “The Holly and the Ivy,” dates to the early 19th century. The words to the song, however, have a distinctly medieval flavor, which suggests it may be much older. In ancient Christian belief, the sharp, spiny leaves of the holly plant represent the crown of thorns worn by Jesus at the time of the crucifixion, and the red of the holly berry symbolizes the drops of blood spilled for the salvation of humanity. An evergreen that maintains its deep green color throughout the winter, holly also represents the promise of rebirth and eternal life. Among the ancient Celts of the British Isles, holly was believed to protect against evil spirits.

Like holly, ivy is a plant whose spiritual associations date back many centuries and across different cultures. In pagan Rome, ivy was a symbol of Bacchus, the god of wine, and was considered a sacred plant. For Christians, the meaning of ivy has become more obscure over time. “The Holly and the Ivy” is of British origin, and in British culture ivy is considered a feminine plant, the counterpart to the masculine holly with its sharp thorns. In the carol, ivy likely represents the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. The plant has long been associated with immortality, but it also clings to rocks and structures, thus symbolizing the undying affection and love of Mary for her son, Jesus.